To the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

Residents of Fort McMurray are requesting an immediate and full review of the Transit Master Plan. The current system does not reflect the needs of our community and has resulted in serious service gaps that affect a wide range of residents.

Transit reliability has become a major concern for everyone that depends on this service. 

The discontinuation of the SMART Bus service has specifically impacted seniors and residents with disabilities who relied on it for medical appointments, groceries, employment, and essential daily activities. For many, SMART Bus was their only dependable transportation option.

At the same time, Fort McMurray has no accessible taxi service, and the municipal taxi bylaw does not require any accessible taxis to operate. For residents without a car, this leaves no backup option when buses do not show up, are delayed, or do not serve their neighbourhood.

A community of this size should have a safe, reliable, and inclusive transit system that meets the needs of everyone. Transportation is a foundation for independence, employment, health care access, and community participation.

We respectfully request that Council take the following actions:

Launch an immediate review of the Transit Master Plan to ensure it reflects the needs of all Fort McMurray residents. 

Reinstate the SMART Bus as a dedicated service for seniors and residents with disabilities. 

Improve transit reliability and coverage for workers, students, and families across the community.

Review the app used, so that is easier for ESL to manage 

Update the municipal taxi bylaw to require at least one wheelchair accessible taxi provider in operation.

Engage residents, seniors, people with disabilities, students, caregivers, and front-line service providers in all transit planning decisions.

Fort McMurray deserves a public transportation system that works for everyone. A strong, inclusive, and reliable transit network supports our economy, our families, and the well-being of our entire region.

We, the undersigned, ask Council to prioritize transit improvements and act without delay.